A Mountain Picnic

This week has been so hot and muggy that it seems to sap all of our energy to do anything. Even nightfall brings no relief from the heat. So on Sunday, we escaped the heat bubble of Bishkek and headed to the nearby mountains, Ala Aarcha National Park. It's nice to have friends with cars! And with Pasha, all you have to is casually mention you were thinking about going on a picnic, and before you say another word, he has bought enough food to feed an army and has gathered up everyone to leave in a matter of minutes. :)

In contrast to the stuffy atmosphere of the city, the mountain air is pleasant, cool, and fresh. We snacked on canned fish, a rotisserie chicken, chips, and watermelon, and the kids played in the puddles, hopped from stone to stone over the river, and ran through the grass.

On to the photos!

Soccer and Snacks

Boys and Puddles

Rock-hopping

Sebby gets a little help from Daddy

Tam on the rocks

Sebby perches on his rock

Misha the adventurer

More help from Daddy

Daddy and two boys

Daddy and ... four boys!

... plus Marina!

Life is good.

Laughing: Pasha and Josh

Here are a few of those rare shots of Josh and me together. Enjoy!

On our way back to Bishkek, Pasha talked Josh into stopping for a ride in this glider. At $35 for a 10-minute ride, it seemed a better deal than one would get in most countries, so Josh decided to go for it. He enjoyed it, though the mountains still towered above him the whole time.

Ready for lift-off

Sebby and Yarik watch Josh zoom down the runway. Sebby was envious.

In a rather ET like moment, Josh takes to the sky.

The view from Josh's camera

Mountains and valleys: birds' eye view

Returning

Sunset in the mountains ... Time to go home.